Mark Cavendish has opted to end his Tour de France prematurely to focus on his bid for the so-far elusive Olympic medal.

The 31-year-old's Team Dimension Data squad announced Cavendish will not resume the race in Wednesday's 17th stage, ending his participation on the second rest day.

The Isle of Man sprinter won four stages, including the first at Utah Beach, to take the yellow jersey for the first time in his career. His overall tally is now 30, second only to Eddy Merckx.

However, Cavendish has opted to leave the Tour ahead of Sunday's conclusion in Paris to focus on his dream of omnium gold in Rio next month.

He said he took the decision 'with great sadness', adding: "I'm at a point that would have a detrimental effect on my other big goal for the year, the Olympic Games."

An Olympic gold - or medal of any colour - is the one thing missing from Cavendish's glittering palmares, his cycling CV.

Cavendish quit the race after his first four stage wins in 2008 to switch focus to the Madison, but could finish only ninth in Beijing alongside Bradley Wiggins, despite the pair being world champions.

He vowed never to voluntarily leave the Tour early again, but now he has, demonstrating his desire for Olympic glory.

Cavendish, who was 29th in the road race on the opening day of the London 2012 Olympics, said: "To leave a race and organisation that I hold so much respect for and a team that I have such a special bond with, has not been an easy decision at all.

"I want to say thank you to them, along with all the fans for their support and encouragement, today and over the past 16 stages.

"I wish Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka and all the other competitors luck in the final few days into Paris, a special place that I will definitely miss the emotions of this year."